Race Report: RadioShack put a massive stamp of authority on the Tour of California with an impressive team display highlighted by a magnificent Chris Horner, who romped to the win on Sierra Road over a minute clear of his closest chasers. Darrell Parks takes us inside the ropes for a closer look…

Photography by Darrell Parks – www.darrellparks.com -

As always, Chris Horner was in fine spirits at the start. He’d have even more reason for a good mood about three and a half hours later.

Tejay Van Garderen made it clear ahead of the Tour of California that he wanted to compete for the win. Stage Four would be a big day for him, but unfortunately, it didn’t go quite to plan…

The peloton, headed by Leopard Trek, observed a moment of silence for Wouter Weylandt.

Leopard Trek leads a somber field out of Livermore.

The fans turned out in force to see the peloton off from Livemore.

A young fan on Sierra Road.

Here comes Chris Horner! The nearly 40 year old dropped his captain, Levi Leipheimer, and left the rest of the race’s contenders far, far behind with an incredible show of force on the difficult final climb.

Behind, Rory Sutherland led the second group…

Levi Leipheimer attacks!

There he goes…

Andy Schleck rode well to finish in the first chase group behind the indomitable Chris Horner.

Ryder Hesjedal lit the race on fire from the front with a daring move leading into Sierra Road. He couldn’t hold off the RadioShack onslaught, but he still finished well as part of an excellent Garmin-Cervelo showing.

Talansky and Martin stick it to a suffering Tejay Van Garderen in the final half a kilometer of Sierra Road.

The young HTC-Highroad talent, Van Garderen, explored a deep, dark place on the final part of the mountaintop finish on Sierra Road.

A couple people showed up on Sierra Road.

Jens Voigt suffered mightily following his crash the day before.

Greg Henderson enjoyed his day in the golden jersey, but handed the jersey over to Chris Horner well before he finished.

Tacos? You bet! Darrell tells the tale: The story behind the pics of JW and Joanne = I’m waiting for the shuttle bus to the top about a 1/4mile up the first part of Sierra. Andrew Messick is there and tells me I need to try one of the Tacos from the party across the street. JW & Joanne Welcomed me into their “Private Party” and served up some awesome Tacos. They saw me when I came down off the mountain and offered me Seconds!